File System Dependency Minifilter (FsDepends) Service Defaults in Windows 8
This minifilter tracks the dependencies associated with the various nested volumes/filesystems.
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Manual |
| Display name: | File System Dependency Minifilter |
| Service name: | FsDepends |
| Service type: | filesys |
| Error control: | critical |
| Group: | FSFilter Top |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\FsDepends.sys |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\FsDepends |
Default Behavior
The File System Dependency Minifilter service is a file system driver. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. If File System Dependency Minifilter fails to load or initialize, the error details should be automatically logged. Then Windows 8 is restarting the PC and attempting to use the Last Known Good configuration. If the Last Known Good configuration isn't working properly, Windows 8 startup ends with a Stop error. If you disable the FsDepends service, Windows 8 will fail to start.
Dependencies
File System Dependency Minifilter can't start, if the FltMgr service is disabled or not available.
Restore Default Startup Configuration of File System Dependency Minifilter
Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which File System Dependency Minifilter depends are configured by default and function properly. See the list of dependencies above.1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Copy the command below, paste it into the command window and press ENTER:
sc config FsDepends start= demand
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The FsDepends service is using the FsDepends.sys file that is located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 8 installation media.